Terrarium Studio

The site is located on the Pittwater side of Newport, sited on the highside of the road with an acute north-western outlook down towards Crystal Bay, & views upwards to the tree lined hillside.

The site is quite steep, only softened by a series of beautifully built tiered sandstone garden terraces in the rear garden. The hillside is full of native flora and fauna, with large spotted gums, parrots, owls and possums.

Our client’s father was the original property owner. Being a reputable Landscape Architect for the Sydney Botanic Gardens, he built a series of large stone garden terraces on the upper areas of the site. The gardens are beautiful and private, almost Japanese in character. Yet the existing 1970s cottage had no outlook, no connection or engagement to these rear terraces.

Our client’s adoration of her late father, her love for the local flora & fauna, and gardening is strongly evident. When she asked us to design an extension to the modest 2 bedroom cottage, yet she really didn’t need much additional space…it was obvious that we should do so delicately. So we liberated the existing dwelling, connecting it to this truly unique site.

The design thoughtfully positions the extension to protect from any disturbance of the terraced gardens, stepping down connecting floor levels with the existing cottage, and whilst reducing need for excessive excavation.

The design also allows the new extension to exist independently of the main house, should our client ever require in the future – adaptability.

As a result, the gardens are integrated into the home. It is now immersed deeply into the terraced garden, connected visually, audibly & spiritually, by night and by day. A delightful terrarium.